The 10 Essential Social Media Platforms In 2021
As a social media influencer – or even someone who simply wants to create great social media content and get recognition for it – you should know your platforms inside and out. It’s not all about the biggest and most recognisable ones; there are some other sites you should definitely be aware of if you want to capitalise on social media as much as you can. Obviously nobody can predict which social media apps and platforms will take off and which ones won’t, but some are evergreen. We’ve collected the 10 most essential social media platforms for you to know and familiarise yourself with in 2021.
1. Facebook
Despite falling off somewhat in recent years, there are still almost 3 billion active Facebook accounts, which constitutes about 40% of the entire world. That alone makes Facebook a platform you should definitely be incorporating into your strategy. Sharing content, gathering likes, and getting people to share your stuff on Facebook will exponentially increase your visibility, so make sure you don’t neglect this one even though it might seem like old hat.
2. Instagram
Owned by Facebook but very much its own beast in terms of content, Instagram is an image-based platform that’s all about showing off your shots. Gaining followers, likes, and shares on Instagram is crucial if you want to attract brands for collaboration, so if you’re struggling with this aspect of your social media strategy, platforms like ProfileFollower can help you amass followers quickly. You should also make sure your content hits trending topics and is crafted with care and attention!
3. TikTok
Some still view TikTok as the “little sibling” of the social media industry, but that’s perhaps a misguided viewpoint now. The truth is that TikTok is absolutely huge, and it’s only getting bigger. Its usage is most prevalent among Gen Zers, but everyone’s on TikTok, so no matter where your demographic is, you’ll find them here. Cringe comedy, lip-sync challenges, and dance crazes are all huge on TikTok; this is a big, goofy cringe-fest to which everyone is welcome.
4. Twitter
Whether or not you subscribe to the ethos that arguing on Twitter is unhealthy, there’s no denying the platform has had a colossal influence on popular culture. Former President Trump became known for his usage of Twitter, and some of the most controversial subjects of the last few years originated as arguments or discussions on Jack Dorsey’s much-maligned platform. The fact is that there’s nothing better for putting your finger on the pulse of the public than Twitter.
5. YouTube
Yes, YouTube technically counts as a social network, and if you’re an influencer, you definitely want to have a presence on the app. Although YouTube is primarily a video platform, it has all the same functions and metrics as other social networks, and gaining likes and subscribers on YouTube is just as important as the equivalent on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Make sure to supplement your regular social media content with videos and streams on YouTube. Speaking of which…
6. Twitch
Ours is now a streaming culture. Plenty of brands, influencers, and businesses stream on Twitch, even if they’re not gamers. There’s almost always something you can stream to followers on the platform, whether it’s part of your creative process, a live Q&A with your staff, or simply an announcement you want to make. Be sure to sign up for Twitch because even if you don’t attract a huge amount of viewers to begin with, you’d be amazed how quickly your following can build.
7. Snapchat
There’s a general perception among some people that Snapchat might be dying. While it’s possibly been partially supplanted by platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, there’s still a thriving community on Snapchat that’s worth engaging with if your brand and content allow for it. Good Snapchat content is exclusive to the platform, it’s brief enough that nobody will miss it when it’s gone, and it’s informative and educational, too. Using the platform right can net you some serious followers.
8. Tumblr
Breaking into the world of Tumblr can be very difficult for some businesses, but it’s worth doing if you can manage to find your way in. Tumblr has a very exclusive, very protective community, but the right brands and influencers can find a home there just as easily as on any other social media site. Like TikTok, Tumblr prizes authenticity above all else, so make sure you’re being yourself on Tumblr if you’re an individual. Brands will find it harder, because Tumblr users are better at spotting ad campaigns and sales tactics than other platforms.
9. Pinterest
Pinterest isn’t a classic social network in the same vein as Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Rather, it’s a way for people to build “mood boards” full of images and scraps that come together to form an overall impression. You can save others’ Pins, create your own, and engage with the community in the same way as you would with other networks, though, so it’s still a valuable tool in your social media arsenal. Pinterest takes a little longer to figure out, but it’s worth the time investment.
10. LinkedIn
Last but not least, LinkedIn is the premier social network for business networking and professional usage. If you’re not on LinkedIn and you’re a freelancer of any description, you’re missing out on a majorly useful resource (and one that potential employers will use to check you out, of course). Not everyone needs a LinkedIn account, but if you’re intending to network in any way at all, then you’d be missing a huge opportunity if you passed this one up.